Following his meeting with a selection of local business owners last month, Bath MP Don Foster has launched an 8-point plan which, if implemented, would boost the local economy.
Possible measures including running park & ride services at limited times on a Sunday; offering a free parking period once a week and conducting a full scale rent review of Council property.
Don has written to Council Chief Executive John Everitt and all four group leaders to outline has plan.
The plan in full includes:
- Increasing the take up of small business rate relief
- Introducing a park & ride service at appropriate hours on Sundays
- Ensuring the Council pays its suppliers promptly
- Offering a free parking period once a week
- Giving local businesses as single point of contact at the Council
- Conduct rent reviews that reflect the current economic situation
- Consult properly with local small businesses on all changes
- Effectively promote the ‘Buy with Confidence’ scheme
Don Said that we have got to start talking positively about local business, it is not all doom and gloom out there. The Council must start helping the local economy by promoting schemes that encourage people to spend.
Getting extra people into town by offering a free parking period, or enhancing public transport provision on Sundays are simple steps that would make a real difference.
The Council also needs to act as a responsible landlord and offer affordable rents to businesses; otherwise Bath could see an increase in empty units.
Don also heard from a local business that had spent time and money in getting themselves approved for the Council-backed ‘Buy with Confidence’ scheme.
Don said, “It is very disappointing to learn that businesses are working hard to meet the ‘Buy with Confidence’ criteria and then getting very little in return.
This scheme needs to be advertised a lot more widely so that the people of Bath know who the reputable local traders are. If the scheme is not promoted properly then its value is reduced and we will see fewer businesses attempting to sign up.